Philadelphia Eagles’ season came to an abrupt end in the NFC Wild Card Round, and the fallout has sparked early questions about the franchise’s long-term plans at quarterback.
A 23-19 loss to an injury-hit San Francisco 49ers side not only ended Philadelphia’s playoff run but also intensified scrutiny around Jalen Hurts’ recent performances.
Playoff exit raises new questions
Hurts struggled to find rhythm against the 49ers, finishing with 168 passing yards and one touchdown on 20-of-35 completions.
While he avoided turnovers and was not sacked, Philadelphia Eagles’ offense failed to generate consistent momentum, closing the season with a muted showing when it mattered most.
The defeat also dashed Philadelphia’s hopes of repeating as Super Bowl champions, and Jalen Hurts’ inability to elevate the passing attack in a must-win situation has fueled offseason debate within league circles.
Draft speculation gains momentum
As the Eagles transition into the offseason, speculation has emerged about the team potentially selecting a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft.
According to reporting from The Athletic, there is belief around the league that Philadelphia may explore its options at the position.
“Some NFL sources familiar with the Eagles’ organizational mindset believe they might draft a quarterback this spring,” wrote Michael Silver, who also noted that Hurts “has been the source of much internal frustration, including from teammates other than [AJ] Brown.”
Silver further added that “Tanner McKee, a 2023 sixth-round selection, is also highly regarded within the building,” suggesting Philadelphia Eagles already see developmental promise behind Jalen Hurts on the depth chart.
Jalen Hurts still QB1—for now
Despite the noise, Eagles do not resemble a franchise desperate for immediate change under center. Hurts remains the likely QB1 entering the 2026 season, supported by the five-year, $255 million extension he signed in 2023. However, his late-season production has raised eyebrows.
Over his final seven games of the 2025 regular season, Hurts threw for 1,364 yards with nine touchdowns and five interceptions—numbers that reflect solid output but not the elite standard Philadelphia has come to expect.
A strategic, not reactionary move
Drafting a quarterback in 2026 would not necessarily signal the end of Jalen Hurts’ tenure but could indicate a strategic move to increase competition and safeguard the future.
Adding a young quarterback would give Philadelphia Eagles flexibility while addressing concerns exposed during their early playoff exit.